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AGRICULTURAL SERIES No. 12 



AGRICULTURAL SERIES No. 12 



UNIHD states RAITROAD administration united states RAIIROAD ADMINISTRATION 



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NEBRASKA — BEEF, BREAD AND BUTTER STATE 






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Messages from State Officials \ 

There are good possibilities under the climatic 
limitations of Western Nebraska for men who will 
establish themselves there and work in accord with 
Nature; but it requires intelligent effort for success. 
Naturally, there must be a relation between the 
returns from the land and the cost of production, 
all of which is governed by prices of land, labor, 
material, and the products raised. The man who 
is to win must not be hampered by false hopes 
that climatic conditions will change or have changed, 
nor must mere theory' govern his practice. He 
cannot carr\' with him hard and fast rules by which 
to farm. Under the erratic clirnate conditions ob- 
taining, any system of farming to be successful must 
be sufificiently elastic to meet conditions as they arise. 
All factors that influence production and profit 
must be considered. 

Whenever men move into new sections and 
unfamiliar conditions, there is a certain amount of 
risk through attempting to grow the same crops and 
employ the same methods they formerly used. 
One of the biggest factors insuring success is the 
adaptation of crops and practices to local conditions. 
Nature sets the limits and we should tr>' to meet 
her conditions. In going into new localities, there- 
fore, one should first attempt to familiarize himself 
with those conditions and to learn what the best 
practices are. 

This can be accomplished by observing what the 
successful farmers in the new locality are doing. 
The farm practices of the best farmers in estab- 
lished districts are usually sound. Most counties 
now have a county agricultural agent who will be 
able and glad to furnish information and whatever 
assistance he can in aiding newcomers to establish 
themselves. The State also maintains experiment 
stations — the central plant at Lincoln and substa- 
tions at North Platte, Mitchell, and Valentine. It 
has been the business of the experiment stations to 
study crops and methods. Any information they 
may have will be gladly furnished to any one calling 



I have always advised the people of Nebraska 
that there were no greater opportunities for success 
in industry, agriculture and home building than 
are to be found in this State. The very same 
reasons that I have offered in connection with that 
statement are the ones which I have offered to people 
outside the State, who are seeking a new location. 

Even now, though Nebraska is a young state, 
it stands foremost among the agricultural states 
of the Union. More important still, however,, is 
the fact that the agricultural products that are 
grown here are those which enter most prominently 
into the very life of the Nation. 

Wheat is an essential food product. In its 
production Nebraska stands second. Corn and 
alfalfa represent the most economic ration for pro- 
ducing beef, pork and mutton. In these Nebraska 
stands well toward the top in the quantity and 
quality produced. Grazing land is essential in the 
economic production of cattle, and, of course, 
Nebraska has a very large area of the finest pastures 
in the world. 

Of very great importance in connection with the 
permanent agriculture, is the ability to produce 
crops which at once provide for the maintenance 
of soil fertility and the rotation of crops. The 
crops which I have above enumerated facilitate 
both of these ends, so it is possible for the Nebraska 
farmer to not only grow abundant crops, but to 
maintain the productiveness of his land while he 
is doing it. 

There are not large areas of land open to entry 
in this State, nearly all of the land being deeded, 
but it may still be bought at reasonable prices and 
there) is abundant opportunity here for further 
agricultural development. I know of no State in 
which^^the opportunities are so great. 

Verv trulv vours. 




or writing for it. 



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Go^•ernor. H'Jl 25 IB 



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Acting Dean, .A.gricultural College. 



U. S. RAILROAD ADMINISTRATION 




Headquarters on a Western Nebraska ranch. There are many large ranches now being cut up and placed upon the market at prices 

ranging from $25 to $100 an acre 



THE PURPOSE OF THIS BOOKLET 

HOW THE RAILROADS CAN HELP THE HOME-MAKER 



This booklet is issued by the Agricultural Section, 
Division of Traffic, United States Railroad Admin- 
istration, J. L. Edwards, Manager, Washington, 
D. C. 

The information was compiled by the Nebraska 
Agricultural College and representatives of the 
following railroads: Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe, 
Chicago, Burlington & Quincy, Chicago Great 
Western, Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific, Chicago, 
St. Paul, Minneapolis & Omaha, Chicago & North 
Western, Missouri Pacific, and Union Pacific. 

The purpose of the booklet is to help to direct 
ambitious and industrious home-makers and pro- 
ducers, desiring to better their condition in life, to 
localities in which they should meet with success, 
in proportion to their resources and ability. 



Our mission is to help industrious men and women 
to become farm owners and to enable them to lay 
the foundation for a home and eventually inde- 
pendence for the family. 

Bear in mind that none of the agricultural de- 
partments of the railroads above mentioned has 
any interest in the sale of lands nor are they en- 
gaged in the land business. 

They are, however, greatly interested in the 
development and general prosperity of the districts 
served by their respective lines. 

The interests of the railroads and the communities 
served by the lines are identical and interwoven. 
Prosperous communities mean prosperous railroads. 
A well satisfied settler is a good asset. A misplaced 
man is a liability. Our interest does not cease with 



NEBRAbivA BEEF, BREAD AND BUTTER STATE 




Corn IS grown in every part of the State. It is a leading crop in Western Nebraska on non-irrigated land, at 

yields ranging from 20 to 40 bushels an acre 



the location of the settler. We are deeply interested 
in his success. We stand ready at all times to help 
the newcomer with his problems. Much valuable 
knowledge of farm practices and opportunities has 
been gained by observation and experience which 
will prove helpful to farmers. This is available to 
all inquirers. 

The railroad agricultural representatives have 
for years made a careful study of conditions and 
keep in direct touch with their respective territories. 

Owing to limited space, detailed information is 
not attempted in this booklet, but should the 
reader desire special information on any subject 
connected with any branch of farming or stock 
raising in Nebraska, it may be secured by writing 
to, or calling upon, the Representative whose name 
and address are stamped on page 36 of this booklet. 

State fully just what is desired. Prompt and 
dependable information will be furnished. 

NEBRASKA FACTS 

Nebraska has no bonded debt. 



Its total taxable wealth approximates four billion 
dollars. 

The value of its property has doubled in the last 
ten years. 

The per capita wealth of the State is about $3,000. 

The average income of the farm families of the 
State, in 1918, was $5,280. 

The annual value of Nebraska crops is approxi- 
mately $750,000,000. 

Nebraska stands first among the states in the 
production of beef, pork, wheat, and corn, per unit 
of population. 

In total production it is second in hay, third in 
cattle, third in corn, fourth in hogs, and fifth in 
beet sugar. 

Alfalfa production is 2,528,000 tons. 

Potatoes, 10,500,000 bushels. 

Nebraska's annual poultry and egg production 
reaches $40,000,000. 

Armual dairy products are valued at $30,000,000. 



U. S. RAILROAD ADMINISTRATION 




A small flock of sheep will prove profitable on every farm. tLxpensive shelter is r^ot necessary 



Nebraska farms carry more than 2,000,000 beef 
cattle, 500,000 milch cows, 2,000,000 hogs, and 
500,000 sheep. 

The money value of the live stock reaching its 
chief market center annually is more than $100,- 
000,000. 

Nebraska having the largest butter market and 
the largest creamery plant in the world, and being 
one of the largest alfalfa producmg states, it may be 
understood that dairying is one of the outstanding 
agricultural features. 

Nebraska's altitude ranges from approximately 
1,000 feet on the east to 4,500 feet on the western 
border. It has an area of 76,800 square miles and 
is 415 miles long and 205 miles wide. The rural 
population averages but a little above 10 per square 
mile. It is, therefore, very evident that her farm 
population may be easily doubled without bringing 
about a crowded condition. 

Climate 

Western Nebraska is a region of rather limited 



rainfall, which occurs mostly in the summer when the 
crops are growing rapidly; of strong contrasts of tem- 
perature between summer and winter and between 
day and night ; of rather strong winds which in winter 
at times are severe and cold, but which in summer 
render the heat less uncomfortable; of skies with a 
relatively small percentage of cloudiness and of a 
large percentage of sunshine ; of a rather dry, health- 
ful atmosphere whose summer heat is less oppressive 
than in some other states of the same latitude, not 
only because of the nearly constant movement of 
the atmosphere, but also because it is less nearly 
saturated with moisture; and whose winter cold for 
the same reason is much less severely felt than in 
the moisture-laden atmosphere of most other states. 

Temperature 

January is the coldest month, with a mean tem- 
perature of 25 degrees in the southeastern comer, 
and 20 degrees or a little more in the northern por- 
tion. In the coldest days of winter the temperature 
usually falls to between 10 and 20 degrees below 



NEBRASKA -BEEF, BREAD AND BUTTER STATE 




Nebraska stands third among the states in total production of corn. It stands lirst in production per unit ol population. This pile 
contains 4.000 bushels of corn, raised on non-irrigated land in Duval County. Nebraska 



zero, while on rare occasions 30 degrees below zero 
occurs. 

During the summer months the temperature 
ranges from 70 to 78 degrees. The maximum tem- 
perature frequently exceeds 95 degrees and a few 
times each summer it exceeds 100 degrees. The 
hottest days in summer mostly occur in the last half 
of July, but the hottest spell of the year sometimes 
comes in August or September. The high tempera- 
tures seldom last more than a few hours in the middle 
of the day. Usually there is a fresh wind blowing 
and the air is quite dry, making the high temperature 
less oppressive than the figures would seem to 
indicate. From the middle of September the tem- 
perature decreases rapidly — approximately one-third 
of a degree a day until December. 

Frosts 

Light frosts, sufficiently severe to kill tender vege- 
tation or a few of the less vigorous fruit blossoms, 



are likely to occur throughout May, and sometimes 
early in June, especially in the northwestern counties. 
The average date when the last freezing temperature 
or frost sufficiently severe to kill staple crops occurs, 
is the first week in May, in a line drawn from the 
northeast corner to the southwest corner of the 
State. The date becomes earlier southeastward to 
the southeastern corner of the State, where it is 
about April 15th, and later northwest of this line 
to the middle or latter part of May, in a large part 
of the more elevated portions of the northwestern 
part of the State, where the altitude is about 4,000 
feet. 

Light frosts, not sufficient to cause any practicable 
damage to vegetation, have occurred in a few years 
in the very last days of August, and several years 
in the first half of September. Such frosts, and in 
some years more severe ones, are to be expected dur- 
ing the last half of September. The average date 
of the first killing frost in the fall is the last days of 
September, for a line drawn from the northeastern 



U. S. RAILROAD ADMINISTRATION 




North Platte. Nebraska, near Scotls Bluff and a portion of the Gering farming district in the distance. Scotts Bhiff and Gering are 

thriving Western Nebraska cities 



corner of the State to the southwestern corner of the 
State. This date becomes later southeast of the 
Hne to the southeastern corner, where it occurs the 
middle of October, and earlier northwest of this line, 
where, in the greater part of the northwestern portion 
of the State, it occurs near the middle of September. 

Precipitation 

The rainfall for the year in Nebraska has a wide 
range in different parts of the State. It is greatest 
in the southeastern corner, where it is between 
thirty-two and thirty-five inches. It is least in the 
extreme western portion, near the center of the State, 
where it is less than sixteen inches. Most of this 
precipitation is rain. The snowfall for the year 
averages only about twenty-five inches, equal to a 
little more than two inches of water, or less than 
one-tenth of the annual precipitation. In fact, the 
year may be divided into wet and dry seasons; 
May, June, and July constitute the wet season, with 
46 per cent, of the annual precipitation falling during 



these three months. November, December, Janu- 
arty, and February are the dry months, with but 11 
per cent, of the total amount falling during these 
three months. The other 43 per cent, falls during 
the remaining five months, or approximately one- 
twelfth of the annual amount each month. As this 
indicates, very little rain or snow falls during the 
late fall and winter months. A slight decrease 
occurs in March, but the spring rains begin in April. 
The period of heaviest rainfall is during the month 
of June. This is also the period when the rainfall 
is most certain; that is, least likely to vary from the 
average. In July the showers are slightly farther 
apart, although the monthly rainfall is nearly as 
large as in June. 

The rainfall for the crop season, April to August, 
inclusive, exceeds twenty inches along most of the 
Missouri Valley and decreases regularly westward 
to a little more than ten inches along the Wyoming 
border. It will thus be seen that a very large 
percentage of the annual rainfall occurs during the 



NEBRASKA BEEF, BREAD AND BUTTER STATE 




A typical country church. There are thousands of such churches scattered over the western part of the State, offering ample 

opportunity for religious services 



growing season and in this respect Nebraska com- 
pares favorably with the great agricultural states 
of the Union. Records of rainfall have been kept 
in Nebraska for more than sixty years, and there 
is no indication of a progressive change, either 
towards an increase or a decrease of rainfall, although 
there are wide variations from the normal — some 
wet years when the average rainfall for the State 
has been nearly thirty-six inches, or about 50 per 
cent, above the normal, and some dry years when it 
has been about fourteen inches, or nearly one-half 
the normal. However, in a great majority of years, 
the State averages near the normal. 

Sunshine and Cloudiness 

March, April, and May are the months of greatest 
cloudiness, when the sun is obscured about one-half 
the time. The cloudiness decreases rapidly in 
June, July, and August, giving a large percentage of 
sunshine during the period of maturing crops. 



MARKETS 

Nebraska is well supplied with railroads; no part 
of the State is more than twenty-four hours from a 
profitable market. This is a very important con- 
sideration for the farmer. Most of the state 
products are shipped to the Missouri River markets 
— Omaha, St. Joseph, Kansas City. Sioux City is 
the leading market for the northeastern part of the 
State. Chicago furnishes a market for many prod- 
ucts produced in the entire State, while all of the 
Western and Southern States consume immense 
quantities of her com and corn products, also her 
packinghouse products. 

Omaha is the principal market within the State, 
yet there are numerous other towns which furnish 
satisfactory markets for produce grown locally. 

The following railroads and their branches serve 
this State: 

Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe; Chicago, Burling- 
ton & Quincy; Chicago Great Western; Chicago, 



U. S. RAILROAD ADMINISTRATION 




A typical consolidated school. The State has been one of the foremost in educational progress. I liere are more than 300.000 children 

enrolled in public schools in the State 



Rock Island & Pacific; Chicago, St. Paul, Minne- 
apolis & Omaha; Chicago & North Western; Mis- 
souri Pacific; St. Joseph & Grand Island, and Union 
Pacific. 



School consolidation is developing rapidly, and 
in all parts of the state the people take a keen 
interest in the improvement of social conditions. 
Good roads are the rule and make social life pleasant. 



COMMUNITY LIFE 

Organized agriculture in Nebraska has developed 
rapidly in recent years, and along with this develop- 
ment came splendid neighborhood social life. There 
are thousands of farmers' co-operative organizations 
throughout the State. A large nvmiber of Nebraska 
communities now have county agricultural agents 
and farm bureaus, and the newcomer should make 
himself known as soon as possible after his arrival, 
get in touch with the county agricultural agent 
and join the farm bureau. 

The newcomer will find congenial home surround- 
ings. There are thousands of churches of all de- 
nominations in the State, and in many sections the 
church is the center of the community life of the 
district. 



SCHOOLS 

Possibly no state in the Union has made greater 
progress along educational lines than has the State of 
Nebraska. Less than half a century ago there were 
three schools in the State that were doing work 
higher than the twelfth grade in our present high 
schools. These schools were located at Peru, 
Lincoln, and Fremont and each had but one building. 
Since that time Peru has many times doubled and 
quadrupled itself and it has turned out hundreds 
and thousands of teachers in the State. The uni- 
versity is recognized as one of the leading universities 
of the United States. Fremont has given back to 
the State over 3,500 teachers. 

To-day the State has 300,011 children attending 
public schools. The number of counties is 93; the 



NEBRASKA -BEEF, BREAD AND BUTTER STATE 







Land of this character furnishes excellent grazing for cattle and sheep. Pioneer stock men were attracted to this country because of 
the good natural shelter for stock, as well as the nutritious grasses. There are good farming lands tributary to these greizing lands 



total number of school districts, 7,216; total number 
of schoolhouses, 7,681. 

Number of teachers employed in the public 
schools, male, 1,150; female, 12,098. 

Total amount of money received from all sources 
for school purposes, including bonds, fines, and 
licenses, non-resident pupils, and other sources, 
$14,520,934.33. 

The last Legislature passed a law which provides 
for the redistricting of the State of Nebraska for 
consolidation purposes, as consolidation here is in 
its infancy. Last year the assessed valuation of the 
consolidated districts amounted to $12,058,682. 



STATE AND GOVERNMENT LANDS 

All the major portion of the homestead lands, 
suitable for diversified farming, in Nebraska, were 
taken up years ago and there are no such free gov- 
ernment lands available at the present time, with 
the exception of the irrigated homestead lands on 



the United States Reclamation Project in North 
Platte Valley. 

Government irrigated lands in the North Platte 
Valley are thrown open for settlement, from time 
to time, as the canals for the delivery of the water 
are constructed. These lands (which are chiefly 
in Scotts Bluff County) may be had in 80-acre 
units. Three years' residence, of seven months per 
year, are required to secure title to these lands. 
The settler must pay for the cost of the water which 
amounts to about $70 per acre, and is allowed twenty 
years' time in which to make these payments, 
without interest charge. 

Information about these irrigated homestead 
lands can be secured by addressing the Project 
Manager, U. S. Reclamation Service, Mitchell, 
Nebraska. 

The lands owned by the State of Nebraska are 
not offered for sale, but may be leased. Information 
about these State lands may be secured by addressing 
the State Commissioner of Lands and Buildings, 
Lincoln, Nebraska. 



10 



U. S. RAILROAD ADMINISTRATION 




Experiment Station for the benefit of farmers at North Platte. This station is maintained by the State for the purpose of testing 
varieties of crops and to determine the most profitable ones for Western Nebraska 



How the Extension Service May Assist the Settler 

The type of farming varies greatly in the different 
sections of Nebraska, due to soil, rainfall, topog- 
raphy, and altitude. In Western Nebraska rainfall 
of half that of Eastern Nebraska, and an altitude of 
4,000 feet greater, necessitates radically different 
farming methods. 

Many failures of farmers in the past have been 
due to an attempt to force nature; whereas, har- 
monizing methods with nature has usually brought 
success. 

Experiment and experience have, in the course of 
years, proven what practices are safe to follow under 
a given set of conditions. 

The Extension Service of the Nebraska College 
of Agriculture seeks to disseminate, among the 
farmers of the various sections of the State, the 
most approved practices of successful farmers in 
those localities; and to make known the successful 
practices, as proven by the experiment stations and 
the farmers themselves. 



This is largely done in two ways: Through resi- 
dent extension representatives, namely county 
agricultural agents and home demonstration agents; 
and by extension specialists in the subject matter 
departments of the College of Agriculture. The 
county agent and the home demonstration agent 
work under the direction of the County Farm Bureau 
co-operating with the Extension Service and the 
United States Department of Agriculture. The 
most efficient work of the extension specialist can be 
done in those counties having a farm bureau organi- 
zation, but prompt and careful attention is given to 
all inquiries from unorganized counties. 

These agencies of the extension service are at the 
disposal of the new settler. One of the most serious 
problems confronting the farmer, who locates under 
a set of conditions differing from those to which he 
has been accustomed, is that of obtaining properly 
adapted seed and a knowledge of successful cultural 
methods. The farm bureau and county agent are 
especially valuable in assisting the newly located 
farmer in obtaining seed and live stock and, what is 



11 



NEBRASKA — BEEF, BREAD AND BUTTER STATE 




A ranch headquarters in tlie Sand Hill region of North Central Nebraska. Land similar to this may be bought for $10 to $50 an acre 
The low-lying lands furnish excellent hay and produce good yields of other crops 



even more valuable, in acquainting him with suc- 
cessful farmers of that locality. Discouragement 
and failure may thus be avoided. 

The Extension Service stands ready, at all times, 
to respond to the inquiries of the farmers of Nebraska 
and takes a deep interest in newcomers, since their 
success contributes to the welfare and greatness of 
the State as a whole, and makes for general happiness 
and prosperity. Every new settler is invited to 
become a member of the farm gureau in the county 
in which he locates. The newcomer should make 
himself known to the bankers and business men of 
his town, and get acquainted with the county agri- 
cultural agent at the earliest opportunity. 

EASTERN NEBRASKA 

To make clear the value of Nebraska lands for 
specialized or general purpose farming, a dividing 
line, beginning on the northern boundary and follow- 
ing the eastern edge of Holt, Wheeler, Custer, Daw- 
son, Gosper, and Furnas coimties, may be adopted. 
The area to the east may be classed as fully settled 
and offering nothing to the newcomer, imless he has 



means greater than the average man who leaves his 
field of acquaintance and settles in a new location 
to carry on farm operations. 

The eastern part of the State must be seen to be 
appreciated. In a large percentage of it comfortable 
and beautiful homes are built, roads are improved, 
and the network of railroads leaves no farm distant 
from market. It is an area comparable with the best 
of the Corn Belt, and while lands range in price 
from $100 to $300 an acre, all familiar with the 
territory know it has not reached the top. Eastern 
Nebraska lands are good investments. 

NORTH-CENTRAL NEBRASKA 

Arthur, Blaine, Boyd, Brown, Cherry, Garfield, 
Grant, Holt, Hooker, Keya Paha, Loup, Logan, 
McPherson, Rock, Thomas, and Wheeler coimties 
make up the northern group and cover the great 
native hay area of the State. 

Chiefly the lands are sand and sandy loams. 
Broad valleys flank the streams and extensive basins 
without surface stream drainage grow a very high 
quality hay that serves well as a cash crop, since 



12 



U. S. RAILROAD ADMINISTRATION 




Alfalfa yields from two to five tons an acre under irrigation. Productive irrigated lands with excellent water rights may be purchased 

for $100 to $300 an acre 



the insistent demand for it at central markets 
assures a top price. 

These valleys are separated by ranges of hills 
that are covered with buffalo, gramma, and other 
grasses that furnish excellent pasturage, and their 
character and soil has caused the area to be widely 
known as the "Sand Hills." This is primarily a 
stock country and some of the largest herds of the 
best bred cattle of the State are found here. 

These counties cover more than 12,000,000 acres 
of which approximately 1,000,000 acres are culti- 
vated. Potatoes are a principal commercial crop 
and garden vegetables of every kind are grown in 
great abundance. More corn, wheat, rye, oats, and 
barley are grown than local demand absorbs, and 
hundreds of thousands of bushels are shipped to the 
central markets. This surplus grain, the great 
prairie hay production, the hogs, cattle, and horses 
bred and grown in these counties, the large volume 
of dairy products originating here and the vast 
quantity of eggs and poultry supply a marketable 



tonnage that probably excels any other agricultural 
section of like area that has no greater percentage 
of its land in tillage. 

Boyd, Keya Paha, the north half of Holt, and a 
section of Brown, are chiefly "hard soil" lands, and 
a large part of the area is in cultivation. These 
lands carry a higher valuation than do areas where 
the major part is pasture land. Several other 
counties, too, have smaller areas of this character 
of soil that locally considered is of much advantage, 
but affects the whole county very little. For such 
areas market prices range from $40 to $125 an acre, 
while the range for the sandy lands runs from $10 
to $50 an acre. There are 10,000 farms in these 
counties. Many small ranches, with stock and 
equipment or without such, are offered by retiring 
owners at such prices that the normal earnings 
from the ranch and the increasing value will, in a 
very few years, pay for the ranch. Large holdings, 
too, must be divided for more profitable operation, 
and to supply the demand for a ranch of such size 
that the farmer and his family can handle it. 



13 



NEBRASKA BEEF, BREAD AND GUTTER STATE 




Northwestern Nebraska counties produce two-fifths of the Slate's I U, 300. 000 bushels of potatoes. Dry land seed stock yields 
approximately 24 per cent higher than seed grown in other sections of the State 



NORTHWESTERN NEBRASKA 

Banner, Box Butte, Cheyenne, Dawes, Deuel, 
Garden, Kimball, Morrill, Scotts Bluff, Sheridan, 
and Sioux counties form the northwestern group, and 
are commonly known as the "Pan-Handle" of the 
State. On account of the large irrigated area and 
the large acreage of sugar beets and other specialty 
crops grown, this group contains some of the highest 
priced land in Nebraska. The northern two-thirds 
of Garden County and the southern half of Sheridan 
County are of the same character as the sand hill 
group, with a broadening of the hay valleys and a 
corresponding recession of the hill ranges, as the 
western extremes of the sand hill country is reached. 

In each of the counties there are scattered parts 
of sand areas or rough clay and rocky areas, and 
while such lands have lower values than adjacent 
prairie they are very desirable for the range stock- 
man on account of the natural shelter they afford. 

The timbers from the canons and rugged slopes 
furnished the early homesteader fuel, posts, and 
other building material before railroads made it 



possible to supply this need. The rough areas are 
only a small percentage of the total area. They 
stand in bold outline and sometimes give the new- 
comer the impression that they typify the country, 
while the major part of the lands is gently rolling 
prairie farms and ranches growing successfully all 
of the common field crops. 

This group of eleven counties contains approxi- 
mately 11,000,000 acres of land, 75 per cent, of which 
is tillable. Within it are some of the largest and 
most highly developed ranch properties of the State; 
likewise, some of the smallest and most intensively 
cultivated farm units. 

For the entire group about one-eighth of the area 
is cultivated. The non- irrigated lands range in 
price from $15 to $100 an acre. 

This group of counties embraces the chief potato 
district of the State. The average acre yield is 
120 bushels, while the state average is 86 bushels. 
These coiinties produced two-fifths of the State's 
10,500,000 bushels. 

Thirty-five of the 44,000 acres of sugar beets 
grown in the State were grown here, and three of the 



14 



U. S. RAILROAD ADMINISTRATION 




Thousands of high-grade dairy cows have been shipped into the Stale in the past few years. The dairy business appeals to the newcomer 
because it requires but Httle capital to make a start and it offers an immediate cash income. It is a safe line of farming to follow. 



State's four sugar factories are located here. Three 
of these counties produced 100 per cent, more wheat 
than the average of the State. The potash produced 
in these counties is one-half of the total production 
of the United States. Nine thousand farms are 
operated, 6,000 of them by the owners. 

These "Pan Handle" counties have 211,000 acres 
of irrigated land, and fonn one of the most important 
irrigation districts of this country, involving millions 
of dollars for canal and lateral systems, dams, and 
other structures needed in operation, and adding 
tens of millions each year to the production of this 
area. Land values for irrigated farms range from 
$100 to $300 an acre, and deliver an income every 
year warranting these prices and guaranteeing 
increasing value as further development takes place. 
Dawson, Dundy, Hitchcock, Keith, Lincoln, and 
Red Willow have a total of 69,000 irrigated acres. 
Several other counties have small areas but are of 
local importance only, since the irrigated land docs 
not materially affect land values for the county of 
which it is a part. 



SOUTHWESTERN NEBRASKA 

These counties may be divided into three groups 
of somewhat uniform conditions. The counties 
divided by, and lying to the south of, the Platte River 

Custer, Dawson, Gosper, Furnas, Red Willow 
Frontier, Lincoln, Keith, Perkins, Chase, Hayes, 
Hitchcock, and Dundy— are chiefly "tight lands." 
Wheat and corn are the principal cash crops. 
Ninety per cent, of the surface is tillable, and 10 per 
cent, has only grazing value. Hogs and beef cattle 
are extensively raised and dairying is constantly in 
favor. The all-year return from milking cows is a 
strong argument for enlarging this industry. Large 
tonnages of sorghuins and kaffirs are grown to sup- 
plement corn and alfalfa. 

These counties embrace about 9,000,000 acres, 
2,500,000 acres of which are cultivated in 16,500 
farms. The area thus has an average of more than 
500 acres per farm, and taking into account the 
relatively small acreage cultivated, it is at once 
apparent that there is considerable room for develop- 



15 



INLBKAbKA BEEF, BREAD AND BUTTER STATE 



:^ 







The estimated 1919 wheat crop is 80,000,000 bushels and wheat is a leading crop in the State. Winter wheat is an important crop 

on the non-irrigated land 



ment. One hundred sixty and 320-acre farms and 
ranches, ninning up to 1,500 or 2,000 acres, are on 
the market at a range of prices from $20 to $100 an 
acre. 

The farmer in this territory, who has based his 
operations on grain production, in connection with 
feeding cattle and hogs or milking cows with poultry 
as a side line, is the outstanding example of success. 
The farming business in these coimties is well organ- 
ized and undergoing a healthful extension. Hun- 
dreds of these thriftily managed farms yield their 
purchase price every few years. 

There is no abrupt change in the land or climatic 
conditions between Eastern and Western Nebraska. 
The change is gradual. Counties to the west have 
much in common with neighboring counties to the 
east. Forty coimties in the western part of the State 
offer special opportunities to the man of limited 
capital, where he may secure a home of his own. 

These forty counties have nearly all of the 23,000-, 
000 acres of unimproved land of the State. They 



have one-quarter of the corn acreage, one-third of 
winter wheat, and one-half spring wheat acreage, 
three-fifths of the potatoes, seven- twelfths of the 
wild hay, one-sixth of the alfalfa. They have one- 
third of the milch cows and one-half of other cattle. 

Land values vary greatly in these western coimties. 

Western Nebraska is settled to an extent so that 
its value as a profitable farming section is proved; 
yet there is room for double the number of families 
now living in that part of the State. 

The homebuilder will find few more inviting loca- 
tions. The climate is healthful, water for domestic 
use easy to secure, good roads the rule, rural mail 
routes, telephone connections throughout, a school 
system second to none, colleges and high schools, 
state normals, agricultural schools, experiment sta- 
tions, and churches — all well supported and thor- 
oughly representative. Fast growing towns fully 
meet the trade and market needs. There are several 
towns of 5,000 population. • 



16 



U. S. RAILROAD ADMINISTRATION 




A Western Nebraska sugar beet factory. I here are tour ol these lactones in the State. Where sugar beets 

are grown, land values are high 

The followint! tables contain detailed information of prodtiction and development; 



North Central Counties 1918 


Alfalfa 
Total Tons 


Wild Hay 


Milch Cows 


Other Cattle 


Horses 


Hogs 


Sheep 


Potatoes 
Bushels 




2.240.0 

244.0 

20,941.5 

3,465.0 

14.S96.0 

8,052 , 

13.744.8 

22,398.6 

934.5 

14.336.0 

1.377.6 

5,361.3 

904,0 

2,431.0 

959.4 

2,378.2 

19.514.0 

16,456.0 

4,954.5 

37.774.0 

19,284.0 

8,857.5 

3,643.1 

19.994.0 

107.647.5 

34.746.6 

51,142.0 

7,942.4 
83.878.2 
121.020.9 

8,810.2 

6,009 . 3 
31.418.5 

6.518.6 

3,756 

9,279.6 
13.083.4 
41.091.3 

7.051.8 
13,708.8 


44,239.5 
36,948.0 
30,834.0 
49,460.0 

237,855.2 
46,076.0 
34,138.5 

252,831.6 
43,895.5 
36,085.0 
17,248.0 
19,620.0 
47,277.0 
62,873.3 
23.526,0 
34.182.5 

3,780.8 

12,995 

14,160.3 

14,506.1 

6,251.0 

3.567.0 

1.870,0 

28.201.5 

16.665.3 

61.758.9 

21.908.7 

6.136.2 
56.723.1 
17.026.1 

9.021.1 
11.506 

5.640.0 

.S.352 . 8 
11.409,6 

3.198.8 
17,639.2 
135.151 

9.288 

3.348 


1.740 
1,527 
5,240 
3,550 
6,203 
2,634 

823 
11,624 

956 
3,120 
1,597 
1.459 
1.385 
2.978 
1.114 
1.689 

714 
2.510 
2..586 
2,585 
2,746 
1.013 
1,439 
3,197 
3,228 
3,979 
2,796 

2,574 
15,564 
10,193 
2,890 
5,673 
6,435 
3.944 
3.448 
4.269 
2,169 
7.794 
2.630 
4. 'J 19 


11.552 
9.0.59 
19.202 
25.422 
178.249 
15.863 
39.835 
92.375 
13.434 
25.355 
10.413 
10.487 
11.857 
31.872 
9.908 
18.758 

16.793 
23.115 
12.527 
29.078 

4,1.57 
44.412 

8.574 
39.284 
23.136 
65.960 
51,566 

16.396 
93,817 
34,370 
20,716 
27.547 
21,430 
18,350 
13,998 
10,714 
26,558 
61,604 
13,709 
19,298 


2,989 
2,997 
7,663 
8,491 

28,907 
4.092 
4.056 

19.307 
3.344 
7.743 
3.929 
3,616 
6,185 
6,578 
2,445 
3,691 

5,257 

8,925 
10,855 
10,507 

3,832 
11,544 

4.846 
13,118 
11,435 
19,632 
12,179 

8,462 
36,925 
17,310 
7,693 
13,676 
13,582 
7.715 
7.492 
7,291 
8,625 
21,170 
8,934 
9,656 


1,640 
1,728 

21,833 
4,850 

11,917 

4.849 

395 

20,006 
674 
7,682 
4,282 
3,737 
2,392 
2,387 
917 
5,389 

1,610 
3,287 
5,195 
6,137 
3,190 
7,900 
1,621 
5.200 
8.276 
11.258 
3,608 

8,389 
71,461 
35,515 
10,045 
14,996 
16,004 
14,582 

8.103 

7,090 
11,975 
19,418 

5,644 
11,772 


43 

211 

157 

2.182 

2,237 

67 

180 

2,23S 

8 

80 

313 

349 

11 

651 

79 

527 

1,427 

42 

88 

6,945 

159 

1,412 

5,287 

350 

53,964 

2,465 

21,965 

157 

5.266 

4.579 

35 

1,031 

4,984 

94 

1,074 

40 

269 

4,359 

1,538 

167 


35,000 


Blaine County 

Boyd County 


37,890 
101,867 




280,500 




323.739 


Garfield County 


38,988 
44,220 


Holt County ... 


171,440 




38,025 


Keya Paha County 

Logan County 

Loup County 


37,760 
41,895 
28,260 
71,925 


Rock County 


56,700 
53,900 




26,640 


Northwestern Counties 


34,832 


Box Butte County 


1,225.107 




109,388 




549,542 


Deuel County . . 


92,218 




57,950 


Kimhnll Cmint.y 


149,380 




445,278 




1,029,936 


Sheridan County 


1,388.760 


Sioux County 

Southwestern Counties 


406,953 
55,500 




150,248 


Dawson County 


90,104 




22,300 


Frontier County 


44,250 




30,800 


Gasper County 


30,470 


Hayes County 

Hitchcock County 

Keith County , 


49,720 
40.827 
38,100 


Lincoln County 


185,900 
46,531 


Red Willow County 


57,942 














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lEBRASKA 



CopYtiftil. I.; Ra.id .Mc^«llJ i IV757 



NEBRASKA BEEF, BREAD AND BUTTER STATE 




Some good brood mart's iii the 



C liiniiie\ Hot k district an excellent stock and diversified farming section, 
produce strong boned, sturdy animals 



Nutritiou 



s grasses 



North Central Counties 1918 


Total Land 
Acres 


Cultivated 
Area 


Spring Wheat 
Acres 


Winter Wheat 
Acres 


Corn 
Acres 


Barley 
Acres 


Oats 
Acres 


Rye 
Acres 




553,600 
460,80J 
340,480 
679,040 

3,870,720 
368.640 
460,800 

1,561,600 
460,800 
460,800 
368,640 
368,640 

1,013,760 
675,840 
460,800 
368,640 

483,840 
691,200 

1,692,800 
898,560 
960,000 

1,140,480 
614.400 
925.440 
483.200 

1,589,760 

1,309,440 

568,320 
1,658,880 
657,920 
614,400 
622,080 
460,800 
296,960 
460.800 
460,800 
725,760 
1,658,880 
526,080 
460,800 


25,300 
32,109 

115,158 
81,600 

112,717 

43,478 

6,012 

216.334 
18,633 
79,441 
39,483 
30,505 
33,699 
41,478 
15,573 
32,998 

55,569 
78,120 

178,891 
69,165 

168,330 
40,112 
72,448 
77,681 

165,609 

133,633 
85,682 

127,171 
511,194 
327,363 
108,499 
231,521 
244,795 
136,718 
107,482 
152,975 
79,408 
233,362 
112,623 
214,351 


225 

106 

26,576 

3,425 

4,953 

1,521 

32 

12,057 

68 

4,635 

1,154 

873 

292 

964 

82 

1,983 

21,356 
15,172 
62,556 
14,543 
24,976 

3,781 
23,428 
18.930 
17.571 
19,285 

7,874 

9,112 

14,803 

8,546 

2,585 

1,327 

220 

932 

2,335 

645 

10,988 

9,383 

10,557 

281 


350 

600 
1,401 
3,200 
1,043 
3,202 
30 
5,807 
89 
2,529 
6,473 

882 

536 

536 

304 

335 

5,753 

5,834 
66,965 

2,928 
87,319 

8,781 
21,271 
10,848 

6,688 

2,732 
602 

40,767 
68,165 
90,806 
20,302 
60,831 
116,474 
41,659 
31,808 
70,303 
21,317 
51,368 
34,602 ; 
83,978 


16,344 
17,366 
65,599 
49,305 
58,879 
24,350 
896 
117,245 

7,655 
35,317 
19.038 
12.7M 
18.822 
20.499 

7.320 
16.674 

8.224 
20,250 
25,354 
29,716 
22,726 
14,561 

6,217 
18,775 
13,396 
43,037 
15.294 

45.388 
209.021 
117.171 
68.608 
99,858 
75,999 
75,226 
50,894 
37,706 
32,503 
218,950 
34,758 
78,200 




675 

1,870 

29,473 

14,800 

13,008 

6,130 

61 

37,541 

231 

7,286 

4,606 

3,564 

980 

4,377 

223 

4,749 

8,071 
11,624 
12,932 
9,682 
9,040 
2,710 
8,552 
7,368 
13,033 
21,582 
6,105 

1,949 

58,079 

27,804 

553 

12,301 

5,289 

6,732 

2,945 

1,662 

5,222 

16,823 

6,289 

5,461 


4,250 






10,757 




3,481 
150 
352 
276 


1,961 




8,740 




11,834 




2,383 




537 




1,169 
22 

1,602 

619 

61 


22,823 




6,299 




6,000 




7,797 




4,214 




8,171 




45 


4,638 




4,201 


Wheeler County 


6 

161 

2,357 

1,355 

1,681 

4,754 

330 

770 

748 

3,708 

3,909 

1,545 

7,432 

11,464 

10,816 

6.922 

10.790 

15,945 

1,352 

11,144 

14,220 

3,682 

4,954 

5,373 

12,548 


5,633 


Northwestern Counties 


524 


Box Butte County 


8,170 




1,861 




9,672 




1,744 




3,050 




1,671 




3,387 


Scottsbluff County 


666 




20,349 


Sioux County 


5,147 


Southwestern Counties 


5,726 




28,589 




18,555 




7,167 




9,489 




2,027 




1,393 




3,110 




1,087 




4,434 




24,012 




7,640 


Red Willow County 


1,824 







20 



U. S. RAILROAD ADMINISTRATION 




Modern methods of plowing. Note the excellent tilth of this soil. Western Nebraska soils are deep, work well, and are easily handled 



Soils and Soil Management in Western Nebraska 

In the production of crops, where the amount of 
moisture is rather Umited, the soil is a very important 
factor. Since there are many different kinds of soil 
in Western Nebraska and the dry farming country 
in general, care must be taken in purchasing a farm. 
Some soils are good only for grazing purposes while 
others may be cultivated. The soils of Western 
Nebraska are generally divided into the "sand hills" 
and "hard lands." 

Although all of Western Nebraska is more or less 
of a stock country, this is particularly true of the 
sand hills section which occupies the central and 
north-central parts of Western Nebraska. The 
sand hills proper are good only for grazing, but 
between the dunes or ridges are numerous valleys. 
In the northern and eastern portion of this section 
sheet water is generally close enough to the surface 
so that crops may be grown in the valleys by means 
of sub-irrigation. Some excellent yields of wild 



hay have been reported, and where the valleys are 
of sufficient size they are often cultivated. 

The sub-irrigated valleys are generally called "wet 
valleys." In the southern portion of the sand hills 
occur the "dry valleys." In these there is no possi- 
bility of sub-irrigation, but since they have received 
some run-off from surrounding lands they have 
grown better native grasses in the past than the 
hills, and contain a greater amount of organic matter. 
They produce a considerable amount of native grass 
for winter feed, and when properly handled, may be 
cropped to advantage. Probably the chief problem 
of this country aside from the limited rainfall is the 
tendency of the soil to blow. It should be kept 
covered with growing crops or crop residues, such 
as stubble, and should be supplied with organic 
matter. 

It is important, in buying land in the sand hills 
region, that sufficient acreage be secured to pasture 
the number of stock desired and that sufficient 
valley land be obtained for growing winter feed. 



21 



NEBRASKA BEEF, BREAD AND BUTTER STATE 




Corn is the leading fodder and silage crop. The early maturing varieties are best for the western part of the State 



In the hard land areas of Western Nebraska, which 
surround the sand hills, there are some sub-irrigated 
lowlands. Where the water table is at a sufficient 
depth excellent yields of alfalfa are obtained. 
There are also parts of the valleys which are irrigated. 

In buying irrigated land, it is especially important 
to get soil that is of good depth, of the proper slope 
to irrigate easily, that will take the water well, and 
hold it well. Alkali lands, or lands that have a 
tendency to become alkaline, should be avoided. 
In the latter class might be placed lands lying just 
below a shelf or bench which is also irrigated. 
The seepage water from the higher lands tends to 
rise and cause an accumulation of alkali water on 
the lower lands. Irrigated lands are found chiefly 
in the North Platte Valley, although smaller tracts 
are found along the Lodge Pole, Republican, and 
other streams. 

The greater part of the hard land section, however, 
is upland soil. Some of this upland soil is valuable 
only for grazing while other areas may be cultivated 



to advantage. Any soil that will grow grass may be 
used for pasture, although the nature of the soil and 
subsoil has much to do with the amount of feed 
secured from an acre. A man should buy pasture 
land at a price comparable with the feed that it will 
produce in the average year. It is well, in buying 
land for any purpose, to make a careful examination 
of the soil to a depth of five or six feet. Soils that 
are to be put under cultivation should not be sandy 
enough to blow badly when uncovered, nor too fine to 
take in the rain well. The subsoil is extremely 
important in the storage of moisture. If gravel, 
coarse sand, or hard pan comes too near the surface, 
the capacity of the soil for holding water will be 
materially lessened. Crops grown on soils thus 
underlaid will not stand drought. 

The best dry farming soil may be described as one 
that is of medium to slightly sandy texture at the 
surface and slightly heavier in the subsoil, so as to 
receive and hold water well. It should contain a 
relatively large amount of organic matter, considering 



22 



U. S. RAILROAD ADMINISTRATION 




There are more than 2,000.000 hogs in the State. Alfalfa and com, two of the leading crops of Western Nebraska, make a balanced 
ration for hogs. Omaha is one of the largest hog markets in the United States 



the rainfall. Soils of the dry farming region should 
not be expected to contain as much organic matter, 
and hence are not as dark in color as soils of the more 
humid regions. A good amount of organic matter 
indicates a fair production of native vegetation in the 
past. Dry farming soils should have a depth of at 
least four or five feet — better, six or seven feet 
without gravel or hard pan. On soils having a hard 
pan, gravel, or coarse sand within three feet or less 
of the surface, crop production is more hazardous 
since no considerable amount of moisture can be 
stored and crops are very dependent upon the dis- 
tribution of the rainfall. Such soil is probably better 
left in native grass. 

After a good dry farming soil has been selected, 
the next thing in importance is to manage it prop- 
erly. Crops should be secured that are suited to the 
climate and the soil. In his selection, a man must be 
guided by the experience of local farmers having 
similar soil conditions and by the results from near- 
by experiment stations. 



Approved tillage methods in the dry farming 
country are rather simple, consisting largely in 
keeping the soil in the best condition to take in 
rainfall and preventing the loss of moisture through 
weed growth. The prevention of blowing must also 
be taken into account, since, with the higher wind 
velocity of the Great Plains region, most soils will 
blow, to some extent, when left smooth and bare. 
Especially is this true of soils rather deficient in 
organic matter. 

In much of the diy farming country, manure has 
not been saved and applied as it should be. Al- 
though many farmers appreciate the superiority of 
new lands, they do not realize the importance of 
keeping the soil, if possible, as well supplied with 
organic matter and nitrogen as it was when broken 
up. There are probably three reasons for this: 
(1) manure .applied to soils in dry climates, particu- 
larly to sandy soil, does not decay well unless the 
season is abnormally moist; (2) often no immediate 
favorable results are seen from the proper application 



23 



NEBRASKA BEEF, BREAD AND BUTTER STATE 




Thirty thousand acres of sugar beets are grown annually in Western Nebraska; average yields, twelve tons an acre. Sugar beet lands 

are the highest priced lands in the State and the beets are one of the most profitable crops grown. Several 

million dollars are paid out annually to sugar beet growers 



of manure; (3) when manure is applied in too large 
quantities, particularly if plowed imder, it may cause 
drying out of the soil and actual damage to the crop, 
especially in time of drought. This is a cormnon 
experience of those coming from more moist regions, 
and attempting to use fertilizer practices to which 
they have become accustomed in the past. 

CROPS GROWN IN WESTERN NEBRASKA 

In going from the southeast corner of Nebraska 
to the northwest comer, a considerable change of 
climate is observed. The rainfall decreases from a 
yearly average of about thirty-three inches to an 
average of about fifteen to eighteen inches. The 
altitude increases from less than 1,000 feet to more 
than 4,000 feet. The latitude, from north to south, 
varies three degrees. These climatic changes result 
in a shorter and less intense growing season. The 
average length of growing season in the northwestern 
part of the State is about 135 days. The nights are 
usually rather cool. 



It is important that the climate as well as the soil 
be taken into consideration, when crops or varieties 
of crops are selected. Corn is produced in every 
county in the State, but, in the western counties, 
only the earliest varieties should be planted. Corn 
suited to Eastern Nebraska will seldom, if ever, 
mature in the western part. Varieties developed 
locally by the best com growers are safest. 

Barley has proved to be one of the most profitable 
feed crops on the better soils of Western Nebraska, 
and oats do relatively well in the extreme western 
and northern counties due to the rather cool climate. 

Rye, both winter and spring, is grown on the 
western uplands. Winter rye is one of the best 
grain crops for the valleys of the sand hills, although 
corn is grown quite generally. 

Wheat and potatoes are the most important cash 
crops of the region. The latter crop is considered 
elsewhere in this booklet. 

Some spring wheat is grown in northwestern 



24 



U. S. RAILROAD ADMINISTRATION 




The practice of growing alfalfa in rows under cultivation on non-irrigated lands of Western Nebraska is profitable. Seed of the finest 

quality is produced from alfalfa grown this way 



Nebraska, but winter wheat is now grown in all the 
counties and bids fair to take the place of spring 
wheat within a few years. This part of the State 
is in the Durum wheat belt and quite an acreage is 
grown in some parts. 

Pinto and early navy beans are early maturing 
and well adapted to the western counties. Emmer, 
commonly called speltz, grain sorghums, and millets 
are of minor importance. Grain sorghums are used 
to some extent in the southwestern part of the State. 
They are drought resistant and sure crops. 

Alfalfa is of outstanding importance as a forage 
crop, where it is possible to grow it. It is especially 
well adapted to the irrigated and sub-irrigated val- 
leys. It is grown on the uplands, also, both broad- 
cast and in rows to be cultivated. The climate is 
especially favorable to seed production. Sweet 
clover has been going westward in the State and has 
prospects of becoming of considerable importance. 
It has not yet been generally determined how suc- 
cessful it will be on the uplands. 



Amber cane is grown quite extensively for forage, 
giving good yields of excellent feed. Forage millets 
are used to a considerable extent in the northwestern 
counties. 

Of the tame grasses, Brome is of importance in the 
lowlands and on the uplands of the northern coun- 
ties. Timothy is grown in the valleys of the north- 
ern edge of the State and to some extent in the wet 
valleys of the sandhills. Red top is used on similar 
lands and is also found in some of the dry valleys 
of the sandhill section. Blue grass is extending 
westward in the valleys. 

The most common wild grasses are blue stem, in 
the eastern part of Western Nebraska, buffalo grass 
and gramma grass on the original prairie, and western 
wheat grass often on the lands once broken and 
allowed to return to sod, particularly in the north- 
western counties. A "black root" grass, also, is 
found on the uplands in the western counties. It is 
a typical short grass. 



25 



AbKA BEEF, BREAD AND BUTTER STATE 




Western Nebraska dry land potatoes are in demand for seed stock — the average yield per acre being about 100 bushels. Yields under 

irrigation range from 200 to 400 bushels an acre 



Flax is grown to a limited extent as a sod crop on 
the western uplands. It is quite well adapted to the 
climate. 

POTATO DEVELOPMENT WORK 

The total output of potatoes in Nebraska is 
approximately 12,000,000 bushels. This places the 
State tenth in potato production. A large per- 
centage of the total yield is grown in the western 
counties, including Scotts Bluff, Box Butte, Sheridan 
Dawes, Kimball, Banner, Morrill, Sioux, and Brown. 
Approximately 2,000,000 bushels are grown under 
irrigation in Scotts Bluff, Morrill, Sioux, and Kimball 
counties. 

On account of the climatic and soil conditions in 
these counties, it is probable that the potato will 
always be one of the principal agricultural crops. 
The high altitude insures a relatively low mean 
temperature. The season is well adapted to potato 
production. The soil is suitable and contains proper 
elements for potato production. These conditions 
are all favorable for the production of potatoes. 



Despite the fact that moisture is the limiting factor 
for production, in certain years, the average yield 
per acre, under dry land conditions, is approximately 
100 bushels. 

It is not uncommon to get a yield of 150 bushels 
without irrigation. The average yield, where irri- 
gation water is available, varies from 200 to 400 
bushels an acre. 

There are almost unlimited possibilities for extend- 
ing the potato industry in Western Nebraska. Over 
one-half of the land suitable for potato production 
is still in native sod. A three or four-year crop 
rotation, with potatoes as one of the crops, makes it 
possible to grow potatoes indefinitely. 

The general production of high quality seed pota- 
toes, in Western Nebraska, is a possibility as yet only 
partially realized. It is generally known that 
potatoes, produced in a cool climate where the grow- 
ing season is short, will give a heavier yield, when 
used as seed, than potatoes produced under warmer 
conditions. From a test at the State Experiment 



26 



U. S. RAILROAD ADMINISTRATION 




Nebraska farms and ranches carry more than 2,000,000 beef cattle. The grazmg lands m the western part of the State offer excellent 

opportunity for the production of beef cheaply 



Station extending over a period of ten years it has 
been shown that potatoes, produced in the northern 
states or in the high altitudes of Nebraska, will 
yield approximately 24 per cent, higher than seed 
that has been grown only a single year under warmer 
conditions. We have concluded from this work 
that the vigor of seed potatoes, as expressed by yield, 
is largely determined by the temperature conditions 
under which the potatoes were grown. 

A comparison of the yielding qualities has been 
made, during the past two years, of seed produced 
under dry land conditions of Western Nebraska with 
seed from various other states. This comparison 
has been made in Eastern Nebraska, Central Mis- 
souri, and in Southern Texas. These tests indicate 
that seed stock, produced in the high altitudes of 
Western Nebraska, without irrigation, will yield 
favorably with seed produced in the more northern 
states. 

A systematic attempt is being made by the experi- 
ment station to determine the varieties that are best 



adapted to the different types of soil found in the 
commercial potato-producing counties. All of the 
important standard varieties are being grown at 
fourteen different places in the western counties. 
This work will be done on a comprehensive scale 
during four or five consecutive years. 

The Nebraska Potato Improvement Association 
is an organization of growers striving to do all it can 
to promote the potato industry in Nebraska. It 
purposes to bring together all the agencies interested 
in the production, transportation, distribution, and 
utilization of potatoes. 

LIVE STOCK PRODUCTION 

The live stock interests of Western Nebraska have 
always been, mainly, beef cattle production. While 
sheep and hogs are being produced in some regions, 
the greater part of the area described is devoted to 
cattle production. 

On account of the comparatively dry winter, cattle 
need virtually no housing and, aside from a wind- 



NEBRASKA BEEF, BREAD AND BUTTER STATE 




1 here are large areas of excellent pasture lands, which assist in the production of cheap iiulk and beef in Western Nebraska 



break which is often afforded by a cannon, no pro- 
tection is planned for most of the herds. Grazing 
conditions may be relied upon for practically the 
entire year, barring the intermittent stormy periods 
occurring during the winter months. 

As the rainfall in this area is rather light, and in 
many sections the soil is of a light character and does 
not produce grass as abundantly as in eastern dis- 
tricts, and although the grass is more nutritious, we 
must count upon a considerably greater acreage per 
head to carry cattle. 

The most satisfactory pasture plan thus far worked 
out, where a part of each ranch is not pastured 
during the summer, is to allow the grass to mature 
and cure. This is then used for winter pasture and, 
very often, one is able to carry his herd through 
practically the entire winter upon this. Upon 
many ranches there is sufficient flat land, known as 
hay tracts, from which the rancher cuts enough hay 
to carry the herd through the greater part of the 
winter. 



As a rule, the summer range is good, especially 
in the area north of the Platte River, and the problem 
of the cattle man is one of providing winter feeds. 
If he does not have sufficient acreage to reserve a 
winter range and does not have enough of the hay 
flats to produce sufficient hay to carry his cattle 
through the winter, then he should plant some crop 
which will produce a maximum amount of roughage. 

Com is, perhaps, the best crop for forage. This 
will make considerable tonnage and, when stored in 
the silo, makes excellent feed for all classes of cattle. 
Cane and the kaffirs make silage equal to corn and, 
on the dry lands, produce greater tonnage. On 
accoimt of their drouth-resisting powers, they may 
usually be depended upon to produce well. 

Upon practically every farm or ranch is at least a 
small area which is adapted to the production of 
alfalfa. Alfalfa is especially desirable for young 
growing animals. Alfalfa does not produce abun- 
dantly upon the high table lands, but can be grown 
in rows very successfully. Sweet clover is proving 
to be a good pasture crop for dry lands. 



28 



U. S. RAILROAD ADMINISTRATION 




The grazing districts of Western Nebraska produce thousands of good cattle which are finished on farms producing com. alfalfa, 

sugar beets, and grains 



Hog producers should plant such crops as barley, 
rye, oats, and speltz. Any one of these grains makes 
good hog feed. They should all be ground and 
soaked for the hogs to get the most benefit from 
them. It has been found by experience that these 
grains, in most seasons, especially on the sandier 
lands, will produce more grain for hog feeding 
purposes than will corn. 

Sheep are adapted to conditions prevailing over 
Western Nebraska, provided they are afforded pro- 
tection from coyotes. Ten sheep will consume 
about as much feed as one mature steer. 

Small ranches can be purchased in the western 
part of the state, well adapted to the production of 
any class of live stock that the settler wishes to 
produce. 

The splendid climatic conditions, excellent grazing 
facilities, and the character of the feed crops which 
may be produced, put Nebraska in the front rank as 
a live stock state. 



SILOS 

The silo is fast becoming a necessity to the live 
stock farmer in Nebraska. Farmers, in the western 
part of the state especially, have learned that the 
silo is the best possible insurance. 

They have found that in this section a silo may be 
built at a very small expense. The pit silo — ^which 
is becoming very popular in the drier sections of the 
state — can be built without expert labor and at an 
actual cash outlay of not to exceed 25 cents a ton 
capacity for the cement and hoisting apparatus. 
It is very easily constructed and entirely satisfac- 
tory. It requires no expensive machinery for filling 
and can be filled with a small outlay of labor cost. 
The pit silo is practical for a man vnth a few head of 
live stock. By its use 100 per cent, of the crop pro- 
duced can be saved for feeding. 

The flow of milk from dairy cows can often be 
increased more than 30 per cent, by the use of the 
silage. The grain ration can be reduced at least 
one-fifth. The value of the forage crop produced 



29 



NEBRASKA BEEF, BREAD AND BUTTER STATE 




Nebraska grows Ker own dairy feeds, and climatic conditions are excellent for dairying. Good niarkels are near at hand and prices are 
good. The State has the largest butter and creamery plant in the world 



can be doubled. The fact that silage, properly stored, 
can be kept indefinitely makes it possible to keep on 
hand a surplus of feed for future use. The man who 
milks cows or feeds cattle cannot afford to be without 
a silo. Every man who plans to move to Western 
Nebraska should consider carefully the pit silo. It 
is one of the great advantages of Western Nebraska. 
Pit silos will be found in considerable numbers in 
every dry land county. Newcomers will do well 
to visit farmers who have these silos and plan to 
put one down the first season for their own use, if 
possible. The county agriculturak agent will be 
glad to assist newcomers with silo problems. 



DyJ^IRYING POSSIBILITIES 

Dairying is proving very profitable in Nebraska. 
In the dry land sections, the uncertainty of rainfall 
makes it especially profitable to maintain a dairy 
herd. ■ Rough feeds to mnter stock can be produced 
every year, and, when put in the silo for winter feed- 
ing, make di-y land farming safe. 



Nebraska is a region of cheap, bulky feeds. Corn 
is grown in abundance in the eastern half of the 
state. Sufficient corn may be grown in other 
sections to furnish roughage, either as fodder or 
in the form of silage. 

Alfalfa is grown from one end of the State to the 
other. Heavy yields are obtained in the eastern 
part of the state and in the valleys of the Republican 
and the Platte. The average yield per acre is more 
than three tons. 

Wheat is so extensively grown that mill by-prod- 
ucts from this grain are generally available. 

Quantities of kaffir, sorghum, and millet are grown 
in the drier sections where they are especially 
adapted. From the cheaper lands, an abundance 
of prairie hay is produced. In much of the western 
part of the state cheap lands, with plenty of pasture 
and a long grazing season, enable the farmer to 
produce milk at a lower figure than can be done in 
eastern counties. It is essential, for best results, to 



30 



U. S. RAILROAD ADMINISTRATION 




Climatic conditions are well adapted to poultry production. Every farm should produce poultry. Nebraska produces 

$40,000,000 worth of poultry products annually 



feed alfalfa, oil meal, or mill feeds with roughage in 
this portion of the state. 

The production of so much roughage and other 
home grown feeds, and the excellent climatic condi- 
tions, make Nebraska an ideal dairy state. It is a 
significant fact that the eastern farmer can buy 
Nebraska grown hay and other feeds, and, by feeding 
them to dairy cows, realize a good profit upon his 
investment. Nebraska farmers have the advantage 
in that they grow their own feeds and the market 
for their products is just as good. The prices paid 
for dairy products in the east are little, if any, better 
than those received by western farmers. 

The dairy industry in Nebraska is rapidly in- 
creasing. Thousands of high grade and pure bred 
dairy cows have been shipped in from eastern dairy 
sections for foundation herds. The dairy business 
especially appeals to the newcomer because of the 
fact that it offers an immediate cash income. The 
returns are certain. The importance of the dairy 
business, especially in Western Nebraska, camiot be 



overestimated. Expensive buildings for shelter are 
not necessary. The climatic conditions are the best, 
markets are near at hand, and prices just as good as 
in the eastern communities. It requires but little 
capital to make a beginning in the dairy business. 



POULTRY 

Successful poultry raising depends on favorable 
climatic conditions, plenty of good feeds at a reason- 
able price, good markets, and finally, of course, good 
management. Nebraska as a State is well adapted 
to poultry raising; the clear atmosphere and long 
periods of sunshine being especially helpful in keep- 
ing the flocks healthy and vigorous. Plenty of good 
feeds are also available for poultry feeding — corn, 
wheat, barley, oats, kaffir, and alfalfa are common 
home-grown feeds. 

Most of the poultry and eggs, so far produced, 
are a by-product of general farming. Every 
Nebraska farm should have poultry. The farm 



31 



NEBRASKA BEEF, BREAD AND BUTTER STATE 




Winter rye is a sure and profitable crop on the non-irrigated lands of Western Nebraska, yields ranging from 

fifteen to thirty bushels an acre 



flock is a very important source of immediate cash 
income. Eggs are readily saleable and the new- 
comer should plan to produce sufficient eggs for 
his table and also have a surplus for market. The 
importance of having a small flock at the beginning 
cannot be overestimated. 

There is a healthy interest in better poultry; and 
with this interest comes a great opportunity for the 
pure bred poultry breeder. Several hundred thou- 
sand middle-west farmers constitute the buying 
population for the breeding stock and hatching eggs 
which these breeders produce. 

We find instances of specialization in the milk- 
feeding establishments, which are located in about 
twenty commimities of Nebraska. Here, market 
poultry, purchased from the general farms, is especi- 
ally fed and finished for a short time before being 
dressed and sent to the best markets. Several of 
these milk feeding establishments have a capacity 
of from 30,000 to 40,000 birds at one time. 



FRUIT, HOME GARDENS, AND BEES 

No farm home is complete without a family or- 
chard and a home garden. Fruit sufficient to supply 
the family needs can be grown in all parts of the 
State. All common garden crops may be grown 
successfully, and a good home garden will do much 
to reduce the cost of living. 

Bee keeping is a profitable side line for the 
Nebraska farmer. The climate of Western Nebraska 
is well adapted to bee keeping, and there is a place 
for bees on every farm. 



Amount of Capital Required to Begin Farming 
in Western Nebraska 

Many men have gone into Western Nebraska with 
no backing but a strong body, a good reputation, a 
level head, and a willingness to work, and have 



32 



U. S. RAILROAD ADMINISTRATION 




Progress of a Western Nebraska farm. At left, a typical sod-house of the early pioneers. At 
right, developed farm after a few years' residence 



become independent. Others have started with con- 
siderable money and have failed. The individual 
factor is so variable that no fixed amount of money 
can be set as necessary for success. However, as a 
rule, if a man go on an unimproved farm, he should 
have enough to make the first payment on his land, 
equip himself with the necessary machinery and 
horses, secure three or four good dairy cows, two or 
three hogs, twenty-five or more choice hens, and a 
sufficient balance to build a small house and sheds 
and a well; and also to buy seed and feed to carry 
him until his crops come in. 

A plow, a disc, a drill, a spike tooth harrow, and a 
wagon are necessary, at the start. A soil packer 
would be a good thing, but the disc set straight may 
be used instead. Other tools used only a short 
time each season may be bought co-operatively 
with neighbors and used jointly. The newcomer 
should have at least four horses. Such a layout will 
require from $1,500 to $2,500 capital, depending 



upon conditions and the individual. The prospec- 
tive settler should secure all the information possible 
as to local conditions, prices of materials, etc., in the 
locality of his choice and plan wisely his probable 
expenses, before selling the equipment he has on 
hand. A personal visit and examination of the land 
should be made before moving. 

HOW TO MAKE A START 

Diversified fanning, which means the production 
of several kinds of crops and live stock, is the most 
profitable and safest kind of farming to practice. 
Experience in farming in Nebraska shows that the 
man who produces a diversity of crops and live stock, 
so that his labor is well distributed throughout the 
year, and who has something to sell at all seasons, has 
the highest average income through a term of years. 
In Central and Western Nebraska live stock is 
especially important, and the man who is beginning 
farming with a small amount of capital should plan 



33 



NEBRASKA -BEEF, BREAD AND BUTTER STATE 




A busy day on a dry land Western Nebraska farm. This wheat yielded thirty-five bushels an acre 



on keeping some live stock from the start. This 
will make his income sure and protect him from 
uncertain weather conditions. 

Before deciding what crops to plant the newcomer 
should make mquiry as to what varieties are best 
adapted to the particular section in which he is 
located and should secure seed of the very best. He 
should plan to produce some cash crops, such as 
wheat or beans or possibly potatoes, but should leave 
sufficient acreage for growing enough drought-resis- 
tant grain sorghum crops, such as kaffir, feterita, 
milo-maize, etc., to carry his live stock over winter. 
The grain sorghums produce feed for live stock in 
the driest of years and can be relied upon. 

It is important that the beginner avail himself of 
every means to keep down expenses the first year. 
He should produce as large a share of his living from 
his farm as possible. A good home garden will 
reduce the grocery bills and a small storage pit, 
which can be cheaply built, will successfully keep 



potatoes and other root crops through the winter 
months. 

The dairy cow will undoubtedly give the quickest 
return on the money invested and will bring in a 
monthly cash income. It takes but a small amount 
of capital to purchase a few head of dairy cows, and 
because of the safety of this kind of farming, the 
bankers in the State are showing a disposition to 
loan money to industrious farmers for the purchase 
of dairy cows. Every farmer should have a few 
dairy cows to supply milk and dairy products for 
his own table and to furnish a surplus for an imme- 
diate and regular cash income. 

He should also have a small flock of hens to pro- 
duce eggs for his table, thus reducing the cost of his 
living and to furnish a surplus which is always readily 
saleable. He should have a few hogs — suflficient 
to take care of the waste products on the farm 
and to produce his winter meat supply. The com- 
bination of the garden, cows, chickens, and hogs. 



34 



U. S. RAILROAD ADMINISTRATION 




The sun flower is an excellent silage crop in the higher altitudes. Fifteen to twenty tons of ensilage with a feed value 

equal to corn may he produced to an acre 



with the growing of drought-resistant feed crops 
will insure success to any industrious man of reason- 
able judgment. 

The pit silo (where the water-table is not too near 
the surface, or the subsoil is not rock or sand), in 
connection with the above combination, makes suc- 
cess even more certain. By means of a silo a man 
can save the entire feeding value of his crop in such 
shape that it will be convenient for winter feeding. 

Progressive men. looking for a new liome. will 
bear in mind the important fact that Nebraska is 
not a ONE-crop State; that it produces a great 
diversity of crops; that climatic conditions are. on 
the whole, excellent; that opportunities in the 
United States are not excelled in any country in 
the world. 

Nebraska offers special opportunites that you, 
for your own best interests, should investigate. 



VACATION OUTINGS 

IN THE 

NATIONAL PARKS 
"The Nation's Playgrounds" 

Your National Parks are a vast region of geysers, 
peaks, canyons, glaciers, big trees, volcanoes, pre- 
historic ruins and other scenic wonders. 

Visit Them This Summer 

for fishing, mountain climbing and "roughing it." 
Ask for descriptive illustrated booklet of the 
National Park or National Monument you are 
specially interested in -here is the list: Crater Lake, 
Ore.; Glacier, Mont.; Grand Canyon, Ariz.; Hawaii; 
Hot Springs, Ark.; Mesa Verde. Colo.; Mt. Rainier, 
Wash.; Petrified Forest. Ariz.; Rocky Mountain, 
Colo.; Sequoia. Cal.; Yellowstone, Idaho -Mont., 
Wyo.; Yosemite, Cal., and Zion, Utah. 

Address 

Travel Bureau, U. S. Railroad Administration, 

646 Transportation BIdg., Chicago, 111., or 

143 Liberty St., New York City, or 

602 Healey Bldg., Atlanta, Ga. 



CONGRESS 




003 006 099 4 



